The Out Of This World Art of Dolly Pontillas

I came to know our featured artist – Dolly on our schools PH fashion week trip way back in 2012, all cuz our school BTW, Fashion Institute of Design and Arts in Davao also has a branch in Cebu. I didn’t know much about her then, but soon after we added each other on Facebook, I saw more and more of her works, and her other talents as well. As the years go by I became more and more of a fan of her art and her witty humor. Saw how her style changed through the years and seeing from where she started to where she is now, brought me at awe. And I told myself that I must! I MUST! Interview her! To share how awesome she is and to inspire aspiring artists as well.

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Art of Dolly Pontillas

Art of Dolly Pontillas

Art of Dolly Pontillas

Art of Dolly Pontillas

Art of Dolly Pontillas

Art of Dolly Pontillas

Art of Dolly Pontillas

Art of Dolly Pontillas

Art of Dolly Pontillas

Art of Dolly Pontillas

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Malaysian-born Filipino fashion designer/illustrator.

Art of Dolly Pontillas

Why do you do what you do?

To inspire the crap out of people through art.

Walk me through your drawing process?

Walk with me and my pencil.

What’s integral to the work of an artist?

There’s no right and wrong in art. And the limit does not exist! hahaha

How has your practice change over time?

I can honestly say I can see sh*tloads of improvement.

What art do you most identify with?

I love to draw portraits of quirky women and aliens.

What themes do you pursue?

Portraits and Fashion Illustrations

Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?

That one day at a coffee shop. I was sketching nearby an open window when suddenly a group of kids approached me and watched me draw. The smiles on their faces were priceless!

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I design clothes and play/teach music (piano).

What is an artistic outlook on life?

“Have no fear of perfection. You’ll never reach it.”

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

When people come up to me and tell me I have a unique art style and that I inspired them to draw. It’s the best feeling ever.

What food, drink, song inspires you?

Mashed potatoes and coke! Yellow by Coldplay. I LOVE THAT SONG!!

Name something you love.

I love anything weird, witty and wise.

Name something you don’t love.

I don’t love vegetables.

What is your dream project?

To have my alien characters produced as dolls. hahahaha

Name three artists you’d like to be compared to.

Polly Nor, Shintaro Kago, ilse Valfré

What wouldn’t you do without?

Creativity

What advice would you give someone who’s just starting or someone who’d like to pursue a career in art?

Make as much bad art as you need to make and it’s okay. Never stop creating!